Things we say as Moms....

My friend Glenda recently told me about a book she read that has things we say to our kids and that God also says the very same things to us. Sometimes we don´t listen to Him any better than our kids listen to us. I haven´t read the book, but I´ve been thinking about that and thought I would compose a list. I asked my kids to help me think of things that parents say. Below are things we say to our kids that God also says to us....

• Why can´t you just get along with your brothers and sisters?
• Come and sit and talk with me a while?
• Because I´m the parent.
• I don´t need to tell you the reason why. Just trust me.
• I am older and I know better what is best for you.
• Don´t eat so much junk.
• Obey me.
• I brought you into this world and I can take you out.
• You need to get some rest.
• Use your manners.
• Speak kindly.
• It´s not all about you.
• Because I said so.
• Share.
• I enjoy your company.
• Your lack of effort is appalling.
• No.
• I love you.
• I don´t care what everyone else does, you do what I say.
• Eat your vegetables.
• How was your day?
• Don´t be selfish.
• Make good choices.
• What did I tell you about that?
• Turn off the TV.
• It´s your heart that matters.
• Why do I have to repeat myself to you all the time?
• Yes.
• Take care of each other.
• Go to bed.
• Do the right thing.
• Why don´t you just listen the first time?
• I don´t want you to have to learn lessons the hard way.
• Don´t hang out with the wrong crowd.
• I love you no matter what.
• Stop that.
• Help your younger brothers and sisters.
• I am proud of you.
• This hurts me more than it does you.
• Listen to me when I talk to you.
• Get off the computer and spend time with your family.
• There will be consequences for your actions.
• Don´t be so lazy.
• I am so glad you are my son/daughter.
• Treat others with respect.
• I couldn´t love you anymore.
• Not now, but maybe later.
• I would gladly give my life for you.

What is God telling you?

Pictures of Bolivian Products We Eat and Drink...

I thought it might be fun for you to see some of the products we consume in Bolivia and how they are packaged. So, here we go....

We have lots of products that come in bags. It makes sense really. There is less waste.

chocolate milk in a bag

carmel in a bag

whipping cream in a bag

BTW how we make sour cream is to leave one of these out overnight for it to sour and then whip it and add juice of a lime...it´s not quite the same consistancy as sour cream in the States, but it works.

yogurt in a bag

ketchup in a bag

the kids love juice bags

Our milk comes in bags that are almost one liter. Can you imagine how many of these we have to buy? I know the people at the store think we are buying for an orphanage. ;^)

When I was taking this picture the little girls asked me why and I told them to show people how our milk comes in Bolivia. They asked how it comes in the US. I told them either in cartons or in plastic containers a little like 2 liter Coke bottles. They replied "How weird!".

The juice we drink comes in one liter boxes too. Here is orange juice and peach juice. It´s much yummier than any juice we ever had in the States. Jake says no matter how long he lives here or when he goes back, he´ll never get over how good the juice is here.

Usually we buy fresh bread from a bakery or a tienda.

But also there is bread that comes in loaves. Yes, this is Bimbo brand bread. How funny is that? Guess it doesn´t translate the same.

Hope you enjoyed this look at some of the everyday things we eat and drink.

"It´s like Deja Vu all over again" to quote Yogi Berra

Yes, for those of you who have not yet heard I am pregnant.....AGAIN! Hip hip hooray! We feel very blessed and are completely thrilled albeit a little in shock. We´ve never had ones this close before and because of my medical condition of advanced maternal age we reckoned we might not. But lo and behold I am on schedule to have another baby one day before Mercy turns one. September 18th is my due date. Here´s hoping that this one isn´t ten days late and over ten pounds. :^) We are so grateful to God for this blessing and again I am not taking anything for granted, but simply enjoying every moment...at least until I start puking. ;^) Thanks for rejoicing with us!

More Fun Quotes

Last night I overheard Hope saying "Don´t tell mom". That´s my clue to jump in on the conversation. I said "Don´t tell mom what?" She said "That Patience touched the scorpion that was in our floor." Yeah, don´t tell mom!! Why did I ask?!

A couple of days ago I had gotten onto the kiddos for yelling outside. Bolivians are a much quieter people than North Americans. As are most of the peoples of the world. Anyway, a few minutes later Patience came in and told me that the kids are still screaming. I asked her to ask them to be quieter. She said "Should I yell it down to them out of your window?"

Happy New Year and Happy BIrthday to Seth

Happy New Year a few days late to you all. I´ve had a busy few days with Joe back in the States and sick kiddos so I´m a bit behind (big surprise!). On New Years Day Seth turned 20. I think my kiddos getting older is the one thing that makes me feel older. I´m glad that Joe was there to celebrate this ´big one´ with him.

I´m looking forward to this coming year and there are a couple of things I´m dreading as well. The biggest dread I have is saying goodbye to Jake as he will likely move back to the States in October. I know it´s a good thing and a natural part of life but it´s hard for a mommy who enjoys being with her children. My one other dread is another move. We need to be out of this house before July. When Joe comes home we´re going to start the process of looking for another place. Please pray with us that we can find a place with a yard for the kids to play and plenty of space for us to live. We absolutely love where we live now, but it is a tiny crowded with 5 girls in one room and 4 boys in another. And it would be great if we could find a place we could actually live in until we go on home assignment in 2011. I really feel like a nomad these days...not good for me personally and not good for a mom with 10 kids at home.

Okay, enough of the negative. I don´t make resolutions, but I do have some plans for the next year. I am looking forward to 2009 as a time of personal growth for me. I want to become more fluent in Spanish and begin making more Bolivian friends. I want to fall more in love with God than I ever have been before. I want to become closer to Him in every way possible. I want to grow in my dependence on Him for everything. I want to continue dating the love of my life and spending as much time as possible with him. I want to once again get my homeschooling "in order" (it´s amazing how often I have to do this). I´m looking forward to some conferences where Joe and I will be speaking. I want to read some good books. I hope to take a vacation to Chile and see the beach once again. I want to spend as much time as possible enjoying Jake´s company while he´s still with us. I want to hug Seth and spend some time with him. I want to plan some fun day trips with the kiddos. I want to enjoy all the time I have with my kids knowing that one day they will fly the coop too. I want to cook more good food, eat more good food, enjoy more time with friends and worry less about the little things. I want to guard my tongue and my heart. I want to be positive. I want to write down more of the hilarious things my family says. I want to be able to find the lids to my Tupperware when I need them. I want to loose about 20 pounds (this could be hard what with the eating more good food part). I want to keep up with old friends and continue getting closer to new friends. I want to be more generous with everything that I have. I want to dance more, love deeper and enjoy every minute of this life (sounds like a country song, huh?). I want grow in wisdom in order to give answers to those who ask of the Hope that lies within me. I want to know and convey to others the Answer.

Well believe it or not I have more, but these things should keep me busy wouldn´t ya say? Maybe I´m more like Joe than I think...making big plans.

More Fun Quotes

This morning Patience asked if I wanted her to bring me one of my favorite treats. Here´s what she said.....

"Mom, do you want me to get you a crapaccino?"

Starbucks probably wouldn´t like that but it cracked me up.